Jealous Much?

James 4:2- You desire but do not have, so you kill.  You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.  You do not have because you do not ask God.

I don't think of myself as a jealous person.  I'm guessing you probably don't think of yourself that way either.

Jealous.  It just sounds so bad.  

But if you and I are honest with ourselves, we can probably pick any day at random and find that we experience jealousy at least a couple of times throughout that day.  So, maybe we are jealous people.  On the other hand, maybe we're just human.

Why do we experience jealousy?  Jealousy occurs whenever we measure ourselves against someone else's qualities, abilities, or achievements.  It is inherently based on our own wants and desires as opposed to God's provision.  Stated another way, it is our focus on what we do not have instead of on His rich blessings.

James 4:2 tells us that jealousy results in two bad outcomes: 1.  Killing   2.  Quarreling and fighting.

It also tells us that we often do not have because we do not ask God.  This doesn't mean that God is like a genie who grants our every wish.  Rather, God is a loving God who blesses us greatly according to His plan and purpose for each of us.  If you need something in order for you to fulfill His purpose, He will supply it.  

For Christians, there is no place for jealousy.  God will always give you exactly what you need.

Questions:

1.  How are you currently experiencing jealousy in your life?  Try to identify even the subtle ways that jealousy is effecting your relationships, your work, and your spiritual life.

2. How do you experience God's provision in your life?  Do you rely on His provision?  Question it?  How might your reliance (or lack thereof) on His provision impact how you experience jealousy?